OFFICER'S TRAGIC DEATH.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15182, 29 March 1917, Page 7

OFFICER'S TRAGIC DEATH.

A MILLIONAIRE’S SON,

A tragic discovery was made at York Cavalry Barracks cn February 3, Sec. Lieut. Theodore H. Beit, Ist Roy a 1 Dragoons, being found dead in his quarters with a sporting rifio beside him. The rifle was loaded in both chambers, one of the cartridges being discharged, and the deceased officer had a wound in the head. He was only twenty years of age, and was a sou of Mr Otto Beit, of 49 Belgravo Street, London, the wellknown South African millionaire. Sec. Lieut. Beit entered the Ist Royal Dragoons from Sandhurst in October last. It is understood, that he spent Friday night at a place of entertainment in city, and was last seen alive before retiring to his room about midnight. Inquiries elicited the fact that the accused left behind him a letter addressed to his father, in which, it is reported, be complained of his room being wrecked, and made use of the expression that not stand it any longer. It aim transpired that on Friday night some of the junior officers were engaged in the game of “hide-and seek,” or “hcar-hnnting,” in the course of which players hide in different rooms. When Sec. Lient. Beit returned to his quartern he found'that Ids room was in a state of disorder, and the bed made into what is known as an “apple-pie,” though nothing was damaged.. It is suggested that, being of a sensitive nature. he regarded the affair as a personal affront. Any suggestion of "ragging,” in the real sense of the term, is repudiated by fellow-officers, with whom, he is stated, to have beta very popular. , , -